Depression increases cancer deaths

New research shows that depression can increase risk of dying among cancer patients. The findings highlight the importance of physician screening for depression among patients undergoing cancer treatment.
Maintaining a positive mental attitude has repeatedly been shown to also have a positive impact on health. The new study published in the November 15, 2009 issue of Cancer, reviewed research related to the effects of depression and survival among cancer patients.
Graduate student Jillian Satin, MA, of the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada, and colleagues uncovered 26 studies with a total of 9417 patients to find that depression can increase risk of dying in cancer patients.
"We found an increased risk of death in patients who report more depressive symptoms than others and also in patients who have been diagnosed with a depressive disorder compared to patients who have not," said Satin. The risk of dying from cancer was twenty five and thirty nine percent for depressive symptoms, and minor or major depression respectively.
The researchers took into account other clinical characteristics that could account for cancer deaths in their analysis, still finding that depression plays a role in the risk of dying from cancer. The study emphasizes the importance of screening and treating patients with cancer for depression that can increase the chances of dying.

7 Depression Tips To Get Through Tthe Most Depressing Day of the Year

The most depressing day of the year is January 19. Here are some depression busting tips to get through the most depressing day of the year and manage depression.
Just how much can a person take these days? Worst unemployment since World War II, global economy is collapsing and now you tell me it’s “The Most Depressing Day of the Year?” You have to be kidding me!
Why This Day? January 19th is Blue Monday. Dr. Cliff Arnall, a researcher at University of Cardiff’s Center for Lifelong Learning, devises a formula that uses a variety of emotional and stress factors, to proclaim January 19 the most depressing day of the year in 2009. To make things worse, studies show that there are more heart attacks on Mondays than any other day of the week.
• Light: Low light levels and bad weather combine to create Seasonal Affective Disorder
• Bills Due: Holiday bills are hitting the mailbox and debt becomes more apparent
• Resolutions: Many New Year’s resolutions are already broken
• No Hope: People have low motivational levels and a feeling of need to take action
“People, don’t take this lying down,” said Dr. Kathleen Hall, internationally recognized lifestyle expert in stress and work-life balance, and founder and C.E.O. of The Stress Institute. “Put together a simple, Fun Plan to get through this darkest, most depressing day of the year.”
Dr. Hall suggests 7 Depression Busting tips to get through most of the Most Depressing Day of the Year and the rest of the winter blues.
1. Plan a “Mental Health” day – or better, play hooky. Spend the day with a good friend or your spouse or partner doing something fun like visiting the zoo or a museum. Science tells us that fun increases immune cells that combat depression.
2. Begin your day with a walk, walk at lunch. . . or walk with family after dinner. You’ll get the endorphin boost for both your mind and body that will improve your mood.
3. Shower yourself in Optimism. Shower using your favorite bath products like peppermint or lavender, and wake up your senses as you revitalize yourself. Slip away at lunch for a pedicure to revive your soles and soul.
4. Treat Yourself to a Healthy Breakfast. It sets your metabolism and regulates your mood for the day. Your biggest mood boost comes from combining lean protein and complex carbs.
5. Plan a Lunch Bunch. Just hanging out with a group of friends is a mood booster. Brown-bag it and meet at a park, or get friends together at your favorite hip hang out. Be sure to eat fish and B6’s, with a combination of protein and complex carbs for sustained energy.
6. Listen to music and turn off the news. During your commute or while at work, your favorite music can improve your mood instantly.
7. End your day with a fun dinner that includes family or friends. Rent a funny movie or go to a comedy club for some laughs – laughter releases the “happiness” hormones serotonin and endorphins.

FDA Approves Generic Effexor for Depression Treatment

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the first generic version of Effexor XR extended release capsules (venlafaxine hydrochloride). The antidepressant, used for depression treatment, will be manufactured by Teva Pharmaceuticals, based in North Wales, PA.

Effexor XR is used for the treatment of major depressive disorder. Symptoms include feelings of sadness, loss of interest in pleasurable activities, and hopelessness. It is also indicated for the treatment of generalized anxiety, social anxiety and panic disorders.
“The approval of this widely used antidepressant is another example of the FDA’s efforts to increase access to safe and effective generic drugs,” said Keith Webber, Ph.D., deputy director of the Office of Pharmaceutical Science in the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research.
“Access to treatments for depression is important because depression can interfere with a person’s daily life and routine, which can significantly affect relationships with family and friends.”
Venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules will be available as 37.5 milligram, 75 milligram, and 150 milligram capsules.
Prescribing information for the generic version of Effexor XR may differ from that of the brand name because of patents held by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, the FDA said. But the same safety warnings will apply.
Generic Effexor XR's label will include a warning that antidepressants may raise the risk of suicidal thoughts or tendencies among some children, teens and young adults within the first few months of treatment, the agency said. The warning will also note that depression and other serious mental illnesses are the most important causes of suicidal thoughts or actions.
The shipments of the generic Effexor XR are expected to start on July 1st as per the terms of a 2006 agreement with Wyeth.